The BBC recommissions a fifth series of CBBC sketch show Horrible Histories.
The children’s programme has been a hit for the BBC since its launch in 2009 on BBC One, which was cemented when it became the first children’s’ comedy to pick up a British Comedy Award when it won the Best Sketch Show two years running in 2010 and 2011.
The current series starting its fourth series today [9 april] and starring, Jim Howick, Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard is based on the books of the same name; created and largely written by Terry Deary, with illustrations mostly by Martin Brown. Depicting an innovative way of educating factual history in a humourous way to children with the added use of accurate facts of strange and gruesome trivia.
In 2011 the predominantly live action show held a dedicated Horrible Histories Prom at the Royal Albert Hall. Stephen Fry also hosted a Sunday prime-time BBC One series, which showcased the best sketches from the first two series.
Writing for the fifth series has already begun, with production due to begin in the summer for broadcast spring next year. The current fourth series, consists of 12 episodes and a musical special, with a Halloween special in October.